Summer in the Tatra Mountains

Summer in Europe is a whole mood. After nine months of weather varying from cold to very cold and often snowy conditions, summer is everything here. In that fleeting window of two months (barely), we mortals living here must choose between sea and mountain escapes or maybe both sometimes, depending on what percentage of the annual travel budget we are willing to let go off in these two months!

If I have to choose between the two, it will always be mountains. So, I dedicated my summer of ‘25 to the Tatra Mountains, the crown of Poland.

Travel to southern Poland and you will be greeted by the majestic Tatra Mountains. The Tatras are a part of the grand Carpathian range, which stretches across several countries, including Poland.

The beauty of Tatra summers is that you can effortlessly move between Poland and Slovakia - and that’s exactly what we did. We spent part of our time in Zakopane on the Polish side, and the rest in Ždiar in Slovakia.

The Polish half of the Adventure

This part of our journey includes a beautiful one-hour hike from Zakopane. Nestled in the Tatra Mountains, Zakopane serves as a base for countless hiking trails. Our main goal for the summer was Morskie Oko - the celestial turquoise lake high up in the Tatras. Hence, for day one, we opted for a shorter and easier hike starting right from Zakopane.

Hiking through the deep forest and walking alongside the flowing, singing mountain river felt like a quiet kind of meditation. We paused often, sometimes to catch our breath, sometimes simply to take in the beauty around us, feeling wonderfully small beneath the towering mountains.

After about an hour on the trail, we reached our destination. Tired and thirsty, we quenched our thirst with freshly made lemonade served at the café there, the perfect summer refreshment after a long walk.

The day was spent well in the meadows of Polana Strążyska. We sat on sun-warmed rocks by the riverside, soaked in the calm atmosphere, and captured little pieces of this pristine nature through photography. A day well spent, in every way.

Our Stay

We stayed in a cozy hotel near the start of the trail - Willa Amicus. The place had a warm, welcoming atmosphere, but the true highlight was the restaurant. The food was exceptional, turning each meal into something to look forward to after a day of hiking.

Zakopane

Our stay in Zakopane was short, but we still managed to explore the town a little, and it truly feels like something out of a fairytale. Zakopane is charming in every season, but what makes it especially unique is its distinct architectural identity.

The Zakopane Style (also known as the Witkiewicz Style) is an artistic tradition rooted in the highland culture of Podhale. While mostly visible in architecture, it also appears in furniture and decorative crafts. This signature style gives the town its dreamy, storybook atmosphere.

With plenty of restaurants and cafés serving delicious food and warm beverages, Zakopane is undeniably a traveller’s delight - cozy, vibrant, and full of character. 

Morskie Oko

Also known as the “Eye of the Sea”, Morskie Oko is truly a sight to behold. Tucked deep within the Polish side of the High Tatras, this turquoise lake has earned quite a reputation in recent years, maybe because it’s fairly accessible. I wouldn’t call the hike very easy, as it takes about 2.5 hours from the starting point to reach the destination, but it’s definitely one of the gentler routes in the region.

Ever since we arrived in Poland, this place has fascinated me. So our first summer was dedicated to discovering the grand Tatras and finally experiencing Morskie Oko in all its beauty.

Though this part of my story takes place on the Polish side of the Tatras, its roots actually lie in Slovakia. After our time in Zakopane, we headed to Ždiar, a tiny and pristine Slovak village known for its winter resorts and postcard-worthy charm. I knew that the starting point of the trail to Morskie Oko was much closer from the Slovak side than from Zakopane and choosing to stay in Ždiar turned out to be the perfect decision.

We woke up at 5 a.m. to start the hike as early as possible, hoping to secure a parking spot at the first lot, right next to the trailhead. Missing that would have meant a longer walk before the hike even began. Luckily, we were on time, and by 7 a.m., we set off on the trail just as planned.

Hiking amidst Nature is always a special experience, but the beauty of the Carpathian Mountains feels truly otherworldly. The day was cloudy and a bit chilly, with a soft drizzle occasionally brushing our faces, while the fresh mountain air enlivened us. As we ascended, the views only grew more breathtaking. Floating clouds added some extra touch of magic to the view, creating unforgettably dramatic scenes. Some moments are hard to put into words — how we felt on that trail is something beyond explanation.

After a rewarding yet tiring hike, we finally reached Morskie Oko - the stunning turquoise beauty. Surrounded by towering peaks and dense spruce forests, its glassy turquoise water reflects the rugged landscape like a natural mirror. We arrived early, which was a blessing, but even then, the place was bustling, and it was only a Tuesday, not even the weekend. Many visitors were tourists from beyond Poland, a testament to just how popular Morskie Oko has become.

It was a beauty my heart didn’t want to leave behind. After spending a couple of hours admiring this natural wonder, capturing memories, and savouring a warm slice of apple pie at the café next to the lake, we began our descent - hearts full of joy and gratitude. What is life without these extraordinary moments to cherish forever, isn't it?

The Slovak half of the Adventure

Slovakia, another hidden gem and another underrated country of Europe. The Tatra Mountains, part of the grand Carpathians, covers a major part of Slovakia, giving the country some truly stunning landscapes. The first Slovak gem I discovered was Ždiar – a tiny Goral village nestled among lush green meadows, towering peaks, and charming cottages.

Ždiar

What we did best in Ždiar was master the art of doing nothing - dolce far niente, as the famous Italian proverb goes.

Simply walking down the village’s single road, which stretches just a little more than 2 kms, felt like pure bliss. The views on either side of the path invited endless pauses. Flower-adorned cottages only enhanced the charm of Goral architecture. Moving forward was almost impossible, a walk that could take 30 minutes easily stretched into three hours.

This beauty feels like a distant dream for our everyday, mundane lives - so distant that when we finally stumble upon it, we want to capture every ounce of its magic and tuck it away in a treasure box to cherish forever.

Leisurely strolls, lying in the meadows with a book in hand, sitting by the lake, savouring delicious Slovak cuisine, and letting time pass without the usual daily rush - this is pure bliss. In Ždiar, even a simple cup of tea feels like a meaningful pause, brewed slowly and served with care. The village truly felt like a postcard brought to life.

We stayed at Pension Vasko Zdiar – a humble yet charming retreat in this little paradise. Everything was just right, though it’s a B&B without a restaurant. Still, breakfast was delightful and set us up perfectly for the day.

Also loved Pizzeria Rustika in Ždiar, the ultimate spot to unwind at the end of the day. Its cozy vibes and warm atmosphere made it an instant favourite with us.

In the End...

That was my perfect summer spent in the peaceful lap of the Tatra Mountains. The first thing that strikes you about the Tatras in summer isn’t the peaks, it’s the silence - that gentle, unhurried kind of silence that only mountains know how to hold.

Summer is a season that teaches us to slow down - something not deeply rooted in many South Asian cultures, including mine. But after moving to Europe, I’ve learned to appreciate this art, and I truly value it now. In its own way, summer here feels like a teacher: it teaches patience, humility, and the simple joy of noticing.

When I left the Tatras, I realized I wasn’t really leaving. Something about those trails and views - the pure and fresh air, the distant sound of bells, the gurgling mountain streams, the peaceful lakes, the lush green scapes - stays with you. As if we find peace when the mountains breathe.